Understanding Uterine Fibroids: Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspectives

January 21, 2024

 

Explanation in Western Medicine

 

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in the female reproductive organs and one of the most common tumors in the human body. They are also known as fibroid tumors or uterine fibroids. Since uterine fibroids are mainly composed of increased proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells, with a small amount of fibrous connective tissue as a supporting tissue, they are more accurately referred to as uterine leiomyomas.



 

Explanation in Traditional Chinese Medicine

 

According to traditional Chinese medicine, uterine fibroids belong to the category of "zheng jia ji ju" or mass accumulation diseases. This refers to diseases characterized by the presence of masses or tumors. It is mostly caused by stagnant Qi and blood flow, leading to Qi and blood stasis in the channels and collaterals.

 

The "Ling Shu Shui Zhang Pian" records a condition called "shi jia," which is similar to the modern concept of uterine fibroids: "the stone mass is formed in the womb, cold Qi invades the uterus, the uterus closes, Qi cannot flow, stagnant blood cannot be expelled, and it continues to grow, resembling a gravid uterus. Menstruation becomes irregular and it occurs only in women. It can be guided downwards." Any factors that hinder the circulation of Qi and blood can lead to the development of uterine fibroids.

 

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in the female reproductive organs. So, what acupoints in traditional Chinese massage can help eliminate uterine fibroids?

 

 1. First, focus on Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Ciliao (BL32) acupoints. Sanyinjiao is located about 7 centimeters above the inner ankle bone on the posterior border of the tibia. It is more sensitive to touch than other areas. Ciliao is a point near the coccyx in the buttocks. Regular massage of these acupoints can gradually reduce sensitivity and alleviate corresponding symptoms.



 


 

2. Secondly, the cause of uterine fibroids is related to uterine coldness. The abdomen can be warmed by moxibustion on several acupoints. Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), and Zhongji (CV3).





 

3. Finally, it is recommended to massage the abdomen every night until turbid Qi is discharged from the body. The development of tumors is closely related to dampness and cold stagnation in the body. By eliminating the three turbidities from the body, the tumor can be transformed into an invisible form.

 

How to Prevent Uterine Fibroids?

 

Research on normal fertility indicates that if a woman goes through a complete pregnancy process in her lifetime, it can increase her immunity by 10 years, mainly targeting gynecological tumors. Therefore, women should get married earlier when it is appropriate and avoid being childless when it is time to have children.

 

Pay Attention to Diet

 

Another aspect is diet. Avoid consuming foods with high levels of estrogen and promote a diverse diet. In terms of the causes of uterine fibroids, it is beneficial to eat foods that promote circulation and dissolve masses. For example, kelp and Chinese water chestnut are good for dissolving phlegm and masses. Additionally, roses can promote liver Qi circulation and have beauty-enhancing effects. Drinking rose-infused water regularly is beneficial. However, individuals with heavy menstrual flow should avoid consuming blood-activating and stasis-dissipating foods during menstruation, as it may exacerbate the condition. Some Chinese herbs, such as peach kernel, curcuma root, selfheal spike, Chinese tuckahoe, pinellia, and lotus node, have the effects of softening hardness, dispersing masses, eliminating stasis, and resolving phlegm. Their selection can be based on the patient's constitution.

 

Maintain Regular Exercise

 

The human body has its own immune function. Some people sit still all day, which hinders blood flow in the pelvic cavity. When blood does not flow, "garbage" cannot be eliminated. Therefore, regular exercise is necessary. Additionally, maintaining a good mood is also important. In fact, having a good mood and exercise are related. If the body does not move, the mind does not move. If the mood is not good, emotions do not flow.

 


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